Attracting and retaining appropriately skilled labour is the single greatest threat facing Dublin businesses this year, a new survey has found.
Dublin Chamber's latest Business Outlook Report found that almost three-in-four firms say 'attracting/retaining/upskilling staff' is their number one priority for the year ahead.
This is for the second consecutive year. 85 per cent of those surveyed said accommodation was the biggest problem while 53 per cent cited poor transport infrastructure.
One-third of Dublin businesses also report that they intend to offer apprenticeships this year as a means of accessing new talent pools.
Aebhric McGibney is Dublin Chamber's Director of Public and International Affairs.
"We're hearing from Dublin firms that several factors, particularly childcare expenses and the lack of affordable housing, are driving current labour shortages," he said.
"Several firms have also noted that their growth post-COVID is back on track, but during what should be a crucial recovery period, they are saying no to business opportunities, as they simply don’t have the staff needed to deliver the necessary outputs to meet demand.
"More can be done to improve the labour force participation of women in particular, by removing the barriers preventing people from returning to work and reducing the cost of childcare," Mr McGibney added.
Reporting by Jack Quann
